Boy Behind 'Thumbs-Up For Lane' Lane Goodwin Dies

Lane Goodwin lost his 3-year fight against a rare form of cancer and passed away Thursday. The funeral will be streamed live for all supporters to view.

In a touching statement released by the Goodwin family, the dead of the boy with smile on his face and better known as the "thumbs-up boy" was announced.

Lane Goodwin, who had been diagnosed with an unusual form of cancer called muscle-targeting Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, succumbed to his illness Thursday.

"We would like to thank the community for the incredible display of human kindness over the past two and a half years," the statement read. "Our sweet Lane had a beautiful smile. He was full of energy and loved sharks, fishing, soccer, adventure and his brother, Landen. Lane had an incredible Christian faith, and we are able to find peace in the extraordinary life he lived in his short few years."

"We have been amazed and touched by the worldwide thumbs up movement in honor of Lane. Lane believed that the awareness this movement brought for childhood cancers would lead to a cure. Lane's legacy will live on as we move forward with the commitment we made to him to find a cure," the Goodwin family statement continues.

Lane won many facebook followers for his courage attitude against his cancer. The young boy began the 'Thumbs-Up For Lane' as a fund-raiser for cancer study and research. The family also announced the passing away of Lane on facebook.

"At 7:53 p.m. our sweet Lane gained his Angel wings," the post said. "Our hearts are broken but God has performed a World Wide Miracle through Lane over the past few weeks. Please continue to pray for our family especially Lane's little brother Landen."

A group of people with lit candles remembered the 13 year old at Waterfront Park in Louisville on Friday evening.

"Just tugged at my heartstrings and just to see the strength that this family had show...not only Lane, but his parents and brother, was an inspiration," says Kristy Black-Denney, who helped organize the vigil.

"It touched my heart and I followed it ever since. I've been hooked to the story and their family," says Maria Spencer, who helped organize the event.

A touching poem was posted on the "Prayers For Lane Goodwin" page. It read:

Dear Mom & Dad,

I have not turned my back on you,

So there is no need to cry.

I'm watching you from heaven,

Just beyond the morning sky.

I've seen you almost fall apart,

When you could barely stand.

I asked the Lord to comfort you,

And watched him take your hands.

He told me you are in more pain,

Than I could ever be.

He wiped his eyes and swallowed hard,

The he gave your hands to me.

Although you may not feel my touch,

Or see me by your side.

I've whispered that I love you both,

While I wiped each tear you cried.

So, please try not to ache for me,

We'll meet again one day,

Beyond the dark and stormy sky,

A rainbow lights out way....

Love, Lane

"So beautiful, I cry as if u all r my family, my heart goes out to u all! May God comfort u all!! There's no doubt this poem is so true that lane is really there wiping those tears!" wrote one supporter after a poem was posted.

The funeral will take place on Monday followed by funeral services which will be streamed live on the Internet according to a post on Facebook.